For some, Donald Trump is a hero come to save the world; for others, he’s the one who will bring about its downfall. Whatever one thinks of him, if there’s one certainty with Donald Trump, it’s that he leaves no one indifferent. If there’s one lesson to be learned from Donald Trump, it’s that he always surprises: they tried to assassinate him, and he emerged stronger, chanting “Fight, Fight, Fight” to the cries of his supporters. They had promised him certain imprisonment, and yet, he achieved what no one had ever achieved before—becoming President of the United States of America again after failing to secure re-election. Naturally, every moment of the first 100 days of his term has been scrutinized by the entire world—between those who expected major change from him, and those who held their breath about the direction his presidency would take. To say the least, these first 100 days have been extremely intense, marked by a long series of presidential decrees on a wide range of subjects. The doctrine that now structures his administration is clear: America First—and this applies to all issues.
Trump has clearly indicated that the United States will no longer systematically take the lead in resolving international crises. The dismantling of USAID reflects a gradual disengagement of his country from several global issues. For Morocco, this second term of President Trump could have major consequences—good or bad. It is therefore relevant to examine, through a Moroccan lens, the first 100 days since Trump’s return to the White House, and those actions that directly or indirectly affect the Kingdom.
Thus, the appointment of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State was met with optimism. Rubio, presented as a friend of the Kingdom, even cited Morocco as an example of a successful partnership. Under Trump’s first term, the Sahara issue saw a major breakthrough. In 2020, the United States became the first country to officially recognize, in writing, Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. This recognition allowed Morocco to consolidate its position with other partners, such as Spain, France, or Germany, by demanding firmer commitments from them. However, nothing guarantees that a second Trump term will follow the same trajectory. Key figures in the rapprochement between Rabat and Washington—such as Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and the architect of the Abraham Accords—are no longer as involved in the administration. Trump’s unpredictability, coupled with his America First doctrine, necessitates strategic caution: he is capable of questioning everything if a situation does not offer him tangible advantages.